Time for name change at Thirsk-based young people's The Clock charity

A CHARITY which expanded its services after facing funding shortages has been renamed.

Thirsk Clock, which was established as a youth centre in 2003, will be known as The Clock from April 1, as it now offers a greater range of services, across North Yorkshire.

When the charity launched in 2003, it opened two evenings a week, featured a café bar, internet suite, lounge, games room and training area, and was aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds.

Initially, it was thought about 15 people would need support at any one time, but now the organisation supports more than 80 young people in Thirsk.

After it became apparent in 2012 that almost all of its funding from charitable trusts was coming to an end, the charity was awarded a North Yorkshire County Council Youth Support Service contract to provide support to Year 11 pupils in Richmond, Northallerton, Scarborough, Harrogate and Selby.

It has also become an accredited training provider offering services to a wider age range much wider than its original target group.

Abigail Homer, the charity’s chief executive, said its building on St James’ Green, in Thirsk, would continue to be known as Thirsk Clock, with all existing services delivered there remaining the same.